by Maria Puente, USA TODAY

by Maria Puente, USA TODAY

Another surprise at the Academy Awards on Sunday: First lady Michelle Obama got to rip open the envelope and announce the winner for best picture, which turned out to be Argo.

Jack Nicholson did the honors of reciting the nine contenders this year, then he threw it to Mrs. O, appearing live via streaming video at the White House, where she had been attending a dinner for state governors.

Dressed in a slinky, silvery art-deco-inspired gown by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, Obama was handed the envelope and tore it open. "And the winner is Argo. Congratulations!" she exclaimed.

The White House said the academy approached the first lady about being a part of the ceremony.

In a short speech after being introduced by Nicholson, she said all of the nominees demonstrated that "we can overcome any obstacle." She thanked Hollywood for encouraging children "to open their imaginations."

As a movie lover, she said she was "honored to present the award and celebrate the artists who inspire us all - especially our young people - with their passion, skill and imagination."